8. Freedom from Anxiety (Philippians 4:4-7)
According to one study, over 60% of American college students have experienced overwhelming anxiety. What does Jesus have to offer those dealing with anxiety, fear, and depression? In this final message in Thrive's series on Philippians, Michael Bouterse, Thrive's local director, looks at the Bible's answer to this question in Philippians 4:4-7.
Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 1 Kings 19:1-8 and John 10:1-13.
6. Righteous in Christ (Philippians 3:1-11)
How do we know whether we're "enough"—enough for God, for others, for ourselves? In this message, Caleb Janson, pastor of Gig Harbor United Reformed Church, unpacks how Paul answers this question in Philippians 3:1-11. The human heart is hard-wired to look to our good deeds in order to feel like we're worthy of love—and that's exhausting. But Paul discovered that we're worthy of love not because of what we do, but because of what Jesus has done for us. This frees us up from worrying whether we're good people, because Jesus has made us good already. As a result, we no longer have to relate to God as a stingy taskmaster whom it's impossible to please. God becomes our joy, and the purpose of life to know Him more.
5. As One Who Serves (Philippians 2:12-30)
What's the secret to happiness? The answer, surprisingly, is self-sacrificial obedience. Although extremely countercultural, self-sacrifice is at the heart of following Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. And as a result of Jesus' life-transforming death and resurrection, He sets us free to live a self-sacrificial life for the sake of others.
This message was given at Thrive Harbor on Thursday, November 12, 2020 by Cedric van Duyn, pastor and church planter of Anthem Church.
(We apologize for the poor audio quality in the second half of this recording.)
4. The Upside-Down Kingdom (Philippians 1:27-2:11)
Why is there war? Why are there divisions? Why can’t human beings just find a way to get along? According to the Bible, the answer is pride. Our pride makes us harm those around us so that we can be first. But Philippians 2 shows us that pride has a cure—because while everyone else was climbing up the ladder to make themselves first, Someone climbed down the ladder to make Himself last.
Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Romans 12:9 and John 3:14; 12:32.
3. The Death of Death (Philippians 1:20-26)
Our culture tries to deny death, distracting ourselves so we don’t have to face the fact that one day… we’re all going to die. That’s why Paul’s words in Philippians are so remarkable. He celebrates dying! How could he say this? In this message on Philippians 1:20-26, Michael Bouterse, Thrive’s local director, looks at what the Bible says about Heaven, Hell, and why Christians can approach death with joy and not fear.
Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, 50; Revelation 6:9; 21:1-4, 22-27; 22:1-2; Genesis 4:17-24; 11:1-9; 13:10; 2 Corinthians 5:6, 8; Matthew 25:41, 46; and Mark 9:43-48.
2. Suffering but Satisfied (Philippians 1:12-26)
Everyone suffers, but not everyone suffers well. So what’s the secret? The Bible would say you have to find meaning in suffering, a purpose higher than just your happiness. Many world religions claim to offer such a purpose, but Christianity is utterly unique in offering not just a purpose worth suffering for… but a person who suffered for you.
Scripture passages cited (or alluded to) in this message include Romans 15:23-24; Matthew 10:37-39; 2 Timothy 1:8; 3:12; Genesis 50:20; and Psalm 126:5-6.
1. What Are You Living For? (Philippians 1:1-11)
Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." Yet most of struggle to find a purpose worth living for. In the letter to the Philippians, Paul sets out the one passion that fueled and energized him—the advance of the gospel. But why was Paul so gripped by the gospel, and what gave him the power to lay down his life for it?
Scripture passages cited in this message include Philippians 1:1-26 and Luke 9:23-24.